About the Program

The 21st century has been predicted to be the “Asian Century,” with the role of Asia on the world stage becoming increasingly prominent. Those who wish to assume roles of leadership in this new world must first understand it. Bernadette B. and James J. Nealis III ’69 Program in Asian Studies at Saint Joseph's University allows students to prepare themselves for graduate study or professional work by studying the language, history, culture, and politics of the region. 

The Bernadette and James J. Nealis III Program in Asian Studies was made possible by a generous gift from the Nealises in 2006. The gift supports a variety of initiatives to advance the study of Asian cultures and languages at Saint Joseph’s University.
 
Jim Nealis is a 1969 graduate of Saint Joseph’s College and spent his early career as an FBI agent, specializing in Asia from the Arabian peninsula to China. He went on to a second career with LaFarge NA, a French cement company. During his long career with the company, Jim held executive positions in Human Resources and Organizational Management and covered integration efforts in Russia and Central, South, and East Asia throughout the 1990s. This wealth of international experience drove home for Jim the importance of developing cultural and linguistic tools for success in Asian environments. When he retired from LaFarge in 2007, Jim and Bernadette decided to give back to Saint Joseph’s University by creating and endowing the Nealis Program in Asian Studies, which continues to serve students and the campus community in a variety of ways.
 
The interdisciplinary Asian Studies major and minor are central to the goals of the Nealis Endowment and have a central priority of supporting student development of skills that enable connection in academic, personal, and business relationships. The Program promotes the study of Asian languages and especially study and research abroad through travel and research grants for both students and faculty. The Nealis Program regularly brings scholars of Asia to Saint Joseph’s University and sponsors regular events that bring people together for academic pursuits like panels and conferences and cultural ones like the Asian Film Series and the annual Asian Game Night. See the Events page for what’s happening now!
 
Today Jim and Bernadette continue their world travels and enjoy time with their daughters and grandchildren. They remain connected to the students and faculty supported by the Nealis Program in Asian Studies and appreciate learning about the opportunities the Nealis Endowment has facilitated. Don’t be surprised if you spot Jim and Bernadette at Asian Studies events; do pause to say hello and tell them about your interests!